Yesterday

Yesterday, I went out for the first time since the lockdown started in March 16.

After 3 months of home quarantine.

I wore a face mask, had hand sanitizer in my bag.

It was difficult because I wore my eyeglasses.

It kept fogging up.

My face was also all shiny due to humidity.

So the mask felt constricting.

But it is a small price to pay, right?

So yes I went out.

I had to pay the real estate tax for my former residence.

The place where my parents live now.

Long overdue, since it is supposed to be paid during the first quarter.

But the lady at the land tax section was very kind.

She told me she won't charge the penalties, due to the lockdown.

Bless her soul.

Even though I was willing to pay whatever it cost.

The city hall was packed with people.

I was really fearful because social distancing was not implemented.

I stayed far away from the person who was in front of me, in the queue.

But then this snarky security guard shouted at me to come forward.

I snapped at her: there should be social distancing.

The thing with me is I may be a quiet person.

But when someone is snarky with me.

I have no qualms, asserting my rights.

I tend to be quite loud but within reason.

So much so that even my hubby tells me, I should be more tolerable.

Even before I got off the car, D told me 'kalma ka lang ha'.

Little did he know, my beast mode resurfaced.

I did not tell him.

It is best he doesn't know.

Lest, he won't accompany me na.

So yeah, yesterday I went out again.

Fearful yet quite relieved I ventured out again.

To get some fresh air.

To pay taxes.

Like a dutiful citizen.

A citizen who loves her country.

The land of my birth.

P.S.

Today is Dr. Jose Rizal's 159th birthday.

May we never forget what he stood for.

Even though, the youth nowadays malign him.

But then,  'youth is wasted on the young'

So God, help us!